Legislator Profile: Mathieu Eugene – New York City Council District 40

Overview of Profiles: Legislator profiles were designed to provide a snapshot of New York legislators, their issues of concern, any legislation they have been integral in passing, and how they might be interested in issues related to dance. This information was gathered through Internet research yielding news articles and through candidate's district and campaign website.

Concerns as they relate to dance: Youth programming and afterschool activities related to dance

Biography: Council Member Dr. Mathieu Eugene made history by becoming the first Haitian-born official elected to the New York City Council. He was also the first to win his seat overwhelmingly in two special elections just a few months apart, causing some to dub him "The Haitian Sensation."The reason for Dr. Eugene's success is that he has dedicated his life to community service. In Brooklyn, he has been well known and respected for more than a decade as a community leader, educator, health professional, local media personality and founder of the non-profit organization, YES (Youth Education and Sports). This organization, which served thousands of Brooklyn youth and their families from diverse backgrounds, promoted self-esteem, discipline, respect, and skill development in preparation for success in school and life.Dr. Eugene's commitment to the community also led him to take a leadership role in public health efforts in Brooklyn, advocating for every person's right to access to quality affordable healthcare. He is a former member of the Community Board for In-patients at Maimonides Medical Center. Now, as a City Councilmember, he continues to conducts annual health fairs, symposiums and other health-related events to address varied health issues and help some of the most medically underserved populations in the borough attain access to free screenings and other health services.Furthermore, Dr. Eugene is an active member of Community Board 14 and a co-founder of the Committee for the Development of Northern Haiti, which provides support to immigrants in Brooklyn. He is also a former president of the Haitian Community of Holy Innocence Church. He previously hosted the "Youth and Family Empowerment" Cable TV Show on BCAT and now hosts "Community Connection and Empowerment" on the same TV station. He has appeared on numerous television and radio shows as well as in newspapers serving the Caribbean community. Dr. Eugene has received many awards for his services to the community.Dr. Eugene attended College Notre Dame and later graduated from Regina Assumpta College in Haiti. He holds a medical degree from Universidad Del Norte Este in Mexico and was a member of the Aesclepius Medical Society.He believes that his being elected as the first Haitian-born official in the New York City Council demonstrates the commitment of the voters in the 40th Council District to increase participation in the democratic process by all the members of this multicultural district. He is honored that the voters have put their trust in him,and he is working hard on their behalf.His priorities are to ensure quality education with smaller class size, improve access to healthcare for all people, expand employment opportunities in his district, improve public safety services and police/community relations, improve affordable housing opportunities and support immigrant rights as well as provide strong advocacy for neighborhood preservation and homeowners.Source: (http://council.nyc.gov/d40/html/members/biography.shtml)